Effect of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency and Supplementation on Fetomaternal Outcomes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is recognized as a health concern with adverse effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite adequate sunlight exposure in tropical countries, hypovitaminosis D remains prevalent due to lifestyle, dietary, and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and its association with fetomaternal outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 102 antenatal women were included, comprising 52 women who received oral cholecalciferol supplementation (60,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks) and 50 unsupplemented controls. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured at delivery. Maternal outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and mode of delivery were recorded. Neonatal outcomes such as birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, APGAR score, NICU admission, and intrauterine death were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULT

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 90.7%. Preeclampsia/eclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight were significantly lower in the supplemented group compared to controls. No significant association was observed with gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section rate, APGAR score, or NICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women and is associated with adverse fetomaternal outcomes. Early screening and supplementation during pregnancy may reduce complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight.